The Best Puzzles for Adults
Doing puzzles as an adult is one of life's greatest joys. This soothing activity calms the mind and stimulates the brain, in equal measure. Doing a puzzle can even improve certain mental processes, lower your blood pressure, boost your serotonin, and, above all, leave you feeling satisfied. Ready to reap the benefits and tickle your brain? Whether you want to do puzzles solo or incorporate them into a night at home with friends and family, these are the best puzzles for adults.
Buffalo Games Cinque Terre Jigsaw Puzzle
A Simply Gorgeous Image
Even just looking at the final product of this puzzle will be enough to spark some serious joy (and wanderlust). The glittering Italian coastline town of Cinque Terre is a true sight to behold. Manufactured entirely in the U.S. (unlike many other puzzle products), this puzzle is made using premium-quality recycled cardboard and without plastic packaging, so it’s more eco-friendly than most. The company’s Perfect Snap technology ensures that every piece fits neatly and there’s even a bonus poster included for reference.
Pros:
- The finished product is a stunning view of the Italian coast
- Includes a bonus poster for reference
- Made from durable, premium cardboard materials
- A precision-cutting technique ensures that each piece fits soundly (with the brand’s signature “Perfect Snap”)
- Less puzzle dust than most
- There’s no plastic in the packaging and some of the materials are recycled
Cons:
- Definitely a challenging puzzle, so it may not be the right fit for beginners
Ravensburger Cozy Retreat Jigsaw Puzzle
Transport Yourself to an Inviting Cabin Scene
The Ravensburger Cozy Retreat Puzzle depicts a lovely scene that will instantly transport you to the inside of a twinkly-lit cabin with a roaring fire, a mug of tea, and a thick book. And with Ravensburger, you get to enjoy the scene free of glare thanks to the anti-glare surface. This puzzle is created on extra-thick cardboard, with fine, linen paper, to give you a glare-free image. Every piece is unique and snaps in precisely. This puzzle would make for a fabulous holiday gift for a loved one or even just for you.
Pros:
- Anti-glare surface
- Uses premium, extra-thick cardboard and fine-linen structured paper (which helps cut down on peeling or fraying pieces)
- Every piece is unique; no duplicates
- Precise interlocking pieces
- Little to no puzzle dust
Cons:
- Comes in a lot of plastic packaging, which is wasteful
Houkiper Round Jigsaw Puzzle
With a vibrant, eye-catching design, the Houkiper Round Jigsaw Puzzle makes for a wonderful puzzle-solving experience. It’s especially great for developing children’s awareness of colors and shapes, although adults will love it, too. This puzzle is made from high-quality, durable cardboard, and there are numbers on the back to help you check the pieces. As a fun bonus, this puzzle makes for a super-cool piece of décor, so it’s a popular choice among those that like to hang their completed puzzles.
Pros:
- Super-vibrant colors
- Beautiful ink printing, the pattern is exquisite
- Numbers are printed on the back to make it easier to complete and check for any missing pieces
- Made of high-quality, non-toxic materials that don’t fade easily
- It makes for a cool piece of décor when you’re finished
Cons:
- It’s pretty easy to complete, so if you want something more challenging, this might not be the best product for you
Jigsaw 2 Order Custom Photo Puzzle
Customize Your Puzzle Experience
For something a little different than the average puzzle, get the Jigsaw 2 Order Custom Photo Puzzle. This puzzle is hand-designed in-house to produce a puzzle with a personalized touch: a photo of your choice. Your image can be in a horizontal or vertical position and made to order from any suitable digital file. Whether you choose a beloved family photo, an image of a pet, or a photo with friends, you’ll undoubtedly cherish this puzzle forever.
Pros:
- Features a photo of your choosing
- The company uses the same type of professional-quality photo enlargement that you’d get from a photo lab, so the results are high-quality
- The finished product is packaged in a flip-top Puzzle Box with your image displayed on top
- Every piece is cut a little differently
Cons:
- The image tends to come out a little dark, so you may want to lighten your photo before submitting it
Bepuzzled Classic Mystery Game Puzzle
A Truly Unique Twist
For a truly unique concept, the Bepuzzled Classic Mystery Game Puzzle offers an interactive element: a murder mystery, waiting to be solved. You start by reading about the murder that’s transpired, and then assemble the puzzle, uncovering hidden clues along the way until you solve the mystery. Unique and exciting, this puzzle is a Hitchcockian story that’s bound to incite laughs and gasps.
Pros:
- Features a really fun story and interactive element
- You have to assemble the puzzle to discover the clues, which makes for a challenging twist
- Would be a great holiday gift for puzzle and mystery lovers
Cons:
- The story booklet is pretty lengthy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of doing puzzles?
Aside from being a pleasant, meditative way to pass the time, doing puzzles really can help sharpen the brain, improve visual problem-solving skills, and enhance memory.
I’m a beginner puzzle-maker. What should I look for in a puzzle?
If you’re just starting on your puzzle journey, be sure to look for puzzles with bright colors and clear, structured color separation, as opposed to puzzles that incorporate much of the same (or similar) color. Also, it’s best to start with a 300- or 500-piece puzzle before making your way up to one with a thousand pieces or more.
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